Qu'est-ce que l'athérosclérose?

[wp_show_posts id=””]
**What Is Atherosclerosis?**



Atherosclerosis, also​ known ⁢as arteriosclerosis, is​ a condition ⁣in which the arteries ‌become narrowed and hardened due ⁣to the buildup of plaque. ​Plaque is made up of ⁢cholesterol, fat, calcium, and‍ other substances.



Atherosclerosis ⁣is a serious condition because it can ‌lead ⁣to heart attack, stroke, and other complications.



**What Causes Atherosclerosis?**



The exact cause of atherosclerosis is⁣ not known, but there​ are a number of risk factors that can contribute to its development, including:



* High cholesterol

*​ High⁢ blood pressure

* ‌Diabetes

* Smoking

* Obesity

* Physical inactivity

* Family ‌history of atherosclerosis

* Age (the risk of atherosclerosis increases with age)



**What Are the Symptoms⁣ of Atherosclerosis?**



Atherosclerosis ‍often does not cause any symptoms in its ⁣early stages. As the ​condition progresses, however,⁢ you may experience symptoms such as:



* Chest pain‌ (angina)

* Shortness of breath

* ⁢Leg pain

* Numbness or weakness in⁤ your arms or legs

* Trouble speaking or understanding​ speech

* Vision problems

* Dizziness or fainting



**How Is Atherosclerosis Diagnosed?**



Atherosclerosis can be diagnosed with a variety of tests, ⁤including:



* Physical⁣ exam

* Blood tests

* Cholesterol tests

* Imaging tests, such ⁤as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans



**How Is ‌Atherosclerosis ⁣Treated?**



There is ⁤no cure for atherosclerosis, but it can be⁤ treated‍ with⁢ medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery.



Medications ​that can treat atherosclerosis include:



* Statins: These⁤ medications lower cholesterol⁣ levels.

* Aspirin: Aspirin helps⁢ to prevent blood clots.

*⁤ ACE⁢ inhibitors or ARBs: These medications⁤ lower blood pressure.

* Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers lower‌ blood pressure and slow the heart‌ rate.



Lifestyle changes that can help to treat atherosclerosis include:



* Quitting smoking

* Eating a ⁣healthy ‍diet

* Getting regular⁣ exercise

* Maintaining a healthy weight



Surgery‌ may be necessary to treat​ atherosclerosis if⁣ it is severe. Surgery options include:



* Angioplasty: Angioplasty‌ is a procedure that widens narrowed arteries.

* Stenting: Stenting is ⁣a procedure that involves placing a stent in a narrowed artery to keep it open.

* Bypass surgery:​ Bypass⁢ surgery⁣ is ⁣a procedure⁤ that creates a new pathway for blood to flow ‍around⁢ a blocked artery.



**How Can‌ I Prevent Atherosclerosis?**



There are a number ‍of things you can do to help​ prevent atherosclerosis, including:



* Eat a healthy diet

*⁣ Get ​regular exercise

* ‍Maintain a healthy ⁣weight

* Quit smoking

*⁢ Control your cholesterol and blood pressure

* Get regular ⁣checkups



**Sources**



* ​ Mayo​ Clinic: Arteriosclerosis ⁤/ Atherosclerosis – Diagnosis​ and treatment

* Mayo Clinic: Arteriosclerosis⁣ / Atherosclerosis – Symptoms and causes

* American Heart‌ Association:⁣ What is Atherosclerosis?